If the Dallas Mavericks desire to challenge the Los Angeles Lakers, the inclusion of Josh Howard in their roster is compulsory. The equation is very simple – no Josh Howard, no chance for Dallas. 
Howard is Dallas’ answer to Lamar Odom. Howard is a very versatile player who can play in any spot from shooting guard to power forward. Kobe Bryant has accepted that Howard is a problem. Bryant was referring to Howard’s offensive rebound capacities and knack of getting possessions back for his team. Bryant added that while Howard is playing it becomes necessary for the opponent team to concentrate on the block and the mid-post.
Reasons for absence
Howard has not appeared in the previous 5 and overall 22 games of the Mavericks in this season. These games were inclusive of the 3 encounters against the Lakers. On 11th November 2008, his wrist posed a problem. On 28th November 2008, his ankle bothered him. Currently, the same ankle is not permitting him to play.
Coach’s views
Rick Carlisle, the Dallas coach, said that Howard’s absence from the team is very tough to digest. This situation is not very comfortable for either Dallas or Howard. It’s very frustrating for Howard to be sometimes in and out of the team. Still he has maintained high spirits and whenever he has played, he has assisted the team a lot.